The IWTO Congress goes to China in 2020, where a warm welcome awaits us in Tongxiang-Puyuan. Draft programme available here (PDF).
More details to follow as soon as they are available.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Young Professionals Programme.
Details on how to apply and deadlines can be found in the Young Professionals tab. Application deadline: 24 February.
The Congress takes place 18-20 May 2020, with commttee and working group meetings for IWTO members on 17 May.
Wool industry visits are being organised for the afternoon of Wednesday, 20 May.
Travelling to the Conference Venue in Wuzhen, Tongxiang
Arrival in China
When flying into China, you will probably need to fly into one of the major international airports, Beijing Capital International, Shanghai Pudong International or Hong Kong International, before transferring to the domestic airport.
Some countries (e.g. Japan, South Korea) do have direct flights into Shanghai Hongqiao or Hangzhou Xiashan but the majority are via the major international airports.
It is suggested that upon arrival in China you connect to either Shanghai Hongqiao or Hangzhou Xiaoshan airports and from either of these you will be able to take a direct bullet (high speed) train to Tongxiang.
From Shanghai Pudong International to Shanghai Hongqiao you can travel across the city by taxi but this will take at least 1-2 hours. The high speed train station in Shanghai is located within the Shanghai Hongqiao airport building. Shanghai Hongqiao to Tongxiang approximately 120 kms and takes between 40-60 minutes by high speed train depending on which train you select.
From Hangzhou Xiaoshan airport you will need to cross the city by taxi to Hangzhou East high speed train station and need to allow about 1 hour. Hangzhou East to Tongxiang approximately 80 kms and takes about 25 minutes by high speed train.
Booking the high speed train
You can book a high speed train ticket online with this link. The e-ticket can then be used to board the train at your departure train station, along with your passport. We understand bookings are possible from 4-8 weeks in advance and suggest you book your train ticket as soon as the May timeframe is available to avoid any disappointment.
Arriving in Tongxiang
Once you arrive by high speed train at Tongxiang railway station, the most convenient way to reach the Conference Venue is by taxi or airport transfer (further information on this will be available shortly).
The 2020 Young Professionals Programme is now open for applications.
IWTO's Young Professionals Programme has been growing from strength to strength since its inception in 2012. More than 120 young members have subsequently found their feet in professionals across the wool industry. The exposure to global contacts, networking with senior executives and connecting with other young industry members rate as top priorities in our past participant’s wish-list.
If you're a young wool professional age 35 or younger, don't miss this opportunity: apply to be one of IWTO's 2020 Young Professionals today.
Time-line for submissions:
Applications open: Monday 25 November 2019
Applications close: Monday 24 February 2020
Confirmation of Successful Applications: Monday 9 March 2020
Congress Registration deadline: Monday 30 March 2020
To apply:
Download the application form in Word or PDF. Please submit this completed form along with the following supportive documents:
- Official ID or passport copy
- Head & shoulders photo (low res)
- Short CV (one-page)
Submission instructions are detailed in the applicaiton form.
Applications are subject to the following terms and conditions:
- Open to applications from IWTO Members only, 35 years and younger.
- Applications must be received by 24 February 2020, including all supportive documents.
- Successful applicants will be announced by the 9th of March 2020.
- Successful applicants have to register for Congress and pay their fees by Monday the 30th of March 2020. If the registration and payment is not received by this date, the application will automatically be cancelled, and the position awarded to the next applicant in line.
- The number of places available in this programme is limited and IWTO will not enter into any correspondence regarding the final selection of successful candidates.
- We will only consider one applicant per organisation for this event.
For questions about the process or the Young Professionals Programme in general, contact Ben Roberts on roberts@iwto.org.
